The growing demand for truck drivers across the country makes this the perfect time for you to attend a truck driving school in New York. There are 32 truck driving programs in New York, which means that no matter where you live, you are probably close to a truck driving program. The cost of tuition differs significantly between institutions, but the average cost of tuition in the state is $24,690. Many students win scholarships or take out student loans to help pay for their education; the average student loan amount in New York is $6254. The average scholarship award is an impressive $9553. Earning as many grants and scholarships as you can may help you minimize the amount of money you need to take out in student loans.

Receiving CDL Training in New York

When you begin your truck driving education, you can expect to spend about 40 hours per week in the classroom learning about how to drive trucks, New York driving laws, and heavy truck parts. During the second half of your program, you get behind the wheel with a certified driving instructor in order to practice your driving skills. Your instructor can help you practice the various skills and techniques that you need to be proficient in to pass your driving exam.

How to Get a CDL in NY

Before you can start your career as a truck driver in New York, you have to get your commercial driver's license from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The first step is completing a written exam and paying a $10 fee for a learner's permit. Once you feel ready to take the driving skills exam, you can set up an appointment. Upon passing the driving exam, you can get your CDL from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Working as a Trucker in New York

The nationwide demand for truck drivers is continuing to increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national demand for truck drivers is expected to increase by 21% between 2010 and 2020. In New York, O*Net expects about 1400 job openings per year between 2010 and 2020.

New York truck drivers may be able to start out with a very good base salary. Most truck drivers in New York earn between $26,500 per year and $68,400 per year (O*Net, 2012). The median salary for New York truck drivers is $41,600 per year (O*Net, 2012). In addition to your base salary, many truck driving employers offer sign-on bonuses for new drivers.

Since the job outlook for truck drivers is so strong, there are many different employers that you can choose to work for in New York. Most truck driving jobs fall into one of two categories: intrastate driving and interstate driving. Intrastate driving involves driving only within the state that you are based in, while interstate driving involves driving to and through many other states. If you find an intrastate driving job, you may be able to return home on a nightly basis. Interstate driving jobs typically allow you to return home weekly or biweekly. Some of the major truck driving employers in New York include C.R. England, West Side Transport, Centerline, and Hogan.

Located in beautiful New England, New York has plenty to offer truck drivers and truck driving students. Of course, the shining star of New York is New York City, and being just a short drive from New York City is a big reason that New York is such a popular state to live in. However, there are many other cities to live in, including Yonkers, Buffalo, and Rochester. The cost of living in New York, according to Sperling's Best Places is 27% higher than the national average. However, living in a rural or suburban area can lower your cost of living.